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News Briefs May 22, 2013

Unclaimed veterans’ remains laid to rest in Calif.

The unclaimed remains of 35 military veterans and two military wives have been given formal military burials in Northern California.

The Santa Rosa Press Democrat says the remains, some left unclaimed for decades, were escorted by 120 motorcycles from Santa Rosa to the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon May 20.

Among the cremated remains are those of eight men who served in World War I and 17 who served in World War II.

A ceremony was held at the Santa Rosa Memorial Park before a hearse began the 75-mile drive to the cemetery. The motorcade included more than 120 motorcyclists from law enforcement, the Patriot Guard and the American Legion Riders.

Several local and military officials spoke at the ceremony, which was attended by veterans and local residents. AP

Six months for contractor who stole Marine supplies

A defense contractor at Camp Pendleton, Calif., has been sentenced to six months in prison for his role in the theft of pricey medical equipment intended for overseas Marines.

The U.S. attorney in San Diego said in a statement May 20 that Michael Tuisee was also sentenced to six months of house arrest and three years’ probation, and must pay about $180,000 in restitution.

Tuisee admitted that he conspired with two people who worked in warehouses at Camp Pendleton to steal medical gear like ventilators, autoclaves and defibrillators. Tuisee would take the items from the base in his personal car and sell them to medical equipment resellers.

The judge told Tuisee he abused his position and breached the government’s trust. AP

Two San Diego contractors sentenced in Navy scheme

A federal judge has given three-year prison sentences to two San Diego defense contractors convicted of fraud in a scheme to bribe Navy officials with more than $1 million in cash and gifts.

The judge May 20 also ordered Joanne Loehr to pay $300,000 and Robert Ehnow to pay nearly $800,000 in restitution to the Navy.

Prosecutors say the companies used bribes including flat screen TVs and luxury massage chairs to get millions in business at Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado.

Loehr owns Centerline Industrial Inc., which was put on probation for five years and ordered to forfeit more than $1.8 million.

Eleven people, including several Navy officials, have been sentenced in the case. AP

House passes bill on lying about military medals

The U.S. House has passed a bill making it a crime for people to falsely claim they have received a military medal in order to obtain money or government benefits. Under the legislation, which passed overwhelmingly and now goes to the Senate, offenders could face up to a year in jail.

The Stolen Valor Act attempts to revive a law on fraudulent claims to medals that was struck down by the Supreme Court last year. The court ruled that simply lying about a medal was protected by First Amendment rights.

The bill passed May 20 narrows the focus to make it a crime to seek benefits, such as money or a job, by claiming to be a medal recipient. AP

Military Bowl moving from D.C. to Annapolis

Military Bowl organizers announced May 20 that the game will move this year from Washington’s RFK Stadium to Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, placing the sixth annual game in a setting designed to honor service members about 30 miles from the nation’s capital.

Steve Beck, DC Bowl Committee president and executive director, said the Maryland venue, which includes a decommissioned Navy airplane outside its gates, is the perfect setting to reflect the bowl’s mission of supporting the nation’s military. The stadium, home for Navy’s football team and near the U.S. Naval Academy, also includes arches that tell the stories of battles fought by the Navy or Marine Corps.

Those who attend will find Memorial Stadium to be historic, fan friendly, and designed to promote a wonderful family environment, said Chet Gladchuck, the academy’s director of athletics.

The Dec. 27 game, which is sponsored by Northrop Grumman, will benefit the USO. The move was first reported by The Capital of Annapolis. AP

Local military discounts

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